Dear All, I've got a sickly plant but know neither what plant it is
By Telerilj
Flintshire,
United Kingdom 
Dear All,
I've got a sickly plant but know neither what plant it is, nor what ails it. It's a large bush, which grows red berries in the autumn and has recently begun to grow a grey lichen that appears to be attacking it. There are two plants 8 feet apart and both appear to have got it. Parts have completely lost their leaves and have gone totally grey and brittle. Help!
Thanks
8 Apr, 2017
Answers
The shrub appears to be Cotoneaster, probably Cotoneaster horizontalis, judging by the growth habit of the stems, but its hard to be sure from the limited amount of foliage that can be seen in the photos. Please google Cotoneaster horizontalis and look at images to be sure that's your plant. Assuming it is that, I think its got an infestation of Cotoneaster Webber Moth - see link for information and how to treat
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=647
8 Apr, 2017
Thanks. It doesn't look like a moth infestation, no webs etc. A much greyer, lichen-looking surface. The hunt continues. But thanks so much for your help.
29 May, 2017
I definitely need to see a photo for proper ID. Hundreds of bushes grow red berries, no two alike. Lichen, like moss, normally doesn't harm the tree. What you have most likely isn't lichen but, again, a photo is necessary for proper ID.
8 Apr, 2017